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(No Model.)

J. J. SUTPHEN.

ATTACHMENT FOR BRIDLES.- No. 293,108. Patented Feb. 5, 1884.

v WITNESSES Attdmey UNirED STATES PATENT ()FFICE.

JOSEPHUS J. SUTPHEN, OF W'ASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

ATTACHMENT FOR BRIDLES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 293,108, dated February 5, 1884.

Application filed June 21, 1883.

which form a part of this specification.

The importance of having a taut line in constant driving as well as in speeding horses is known to all horsemen; also, that the pleasure of driving and the value of spirited fast steppers is greatly reduced by reason of tenderness in the mouth, resulting in soreness, which not unfrequently amounts to torture. I am aware that remedies have been unsuccessfully used for hardening the mouth also, that the reins have been connected to the bit by a coiled spring, which, in drawing upon the reins, secures a yielding and constant pull upon the bit, and when the elasticity of the spring has been overcome the reins thenpull directly upon a strap that passes around the nose. My device possesses advantages over the one described in several points, among which may be mentioned that even in ordinary driving the pull is made upon the nose, no friction being produced until the elasticity of the nose-band is overcome, after which all draft upon the reins comes upon the bit, which would be required in the event of the horse becoming frightened or running away. In the devices heretofore invented, after a certain resistance in the springs is overcome the draft is then upon the nose, which would leave the occupants of the vehicle at the mercy of a frightened horse. Not only does my device give great relief to the horse, but I is also safer, cheaper, and more durable.

Referring to the drawings, Figurel is a perspective view, showing my device in position for use. Fig. 2 is a detail view of the noseband inclosed in a sheath. Fig. 3 is a detail view of the same broken off near the ends and (No model.)

Fig. tis a section taken on line as w of Fig. 1, showing the nose strap or band and reins fastened to the rings.

In carrying out my invention, I employ the nose-strap A, which consists of an elastic part, to the ends of which are securely attached the straps a a, adapted to pass through the rings B B and buckle, as shown at b, and an inclosing-sheath, A, the object of which is to prevent the elastic part of the band from chafing the nose and to exclude moisture, &c. The sheath may be made of leather or material impervious to moisture, preferably sewed or otherwise secured at the center, as shown at 12 Fig. 2, to the elastic band. A strap, 0, serves to hold the nose-band in proper position to prevent interfering with the horses breathing, which would otherwise be the case. The strap 0 can be fastened at its upper end to any suitable part of the bridle. The strap 1) buckles around both rings, B and B, and the reins are fastened in a like manner. The strap 1) is drawn up, so as to bring the ring B forward and permit it to be drawn back somewhat before the draft is communicated to the bit-ring B.

I I am aware that changes in the form and proportion of the parts composing my invention may be made without departing from the principle or sacrificing the advantages thereof-as, for instance, the elastic band need not extend across the nose, but may be confined to the sides thereof, in which case the sheath may be dispensed with.

Having thus fully described my invention,

what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. In a bridle, a nose-strap having an elastic section which is connected to a bit-ring and a supplemental ring, said elastic strap adapted to be passed over the upper jaw of 0 the animal, in combination with reins which are connected to said rings, whereby a primary pull upon the reins comes upon the nose and a secondary pull upon the bit, as and for the purposes set forth.

2. In a bridle, a nosestrap having an elas-" tic section inclosed in a sheath, which is connected to a bit-ring and a supplemental ring,

n purpose set forth.

wanes mary pull upon the reins comes upon the nosepresence of two witnesses. band and a secondary pull upon the bit, as and for the purpose set forth.

3. The combinationv of the nose strap inclosed in a sheath, rings B B, straps b and c, in combination with the reins, as and for the in combination with the reins, whereby a pri-l In testimony whereof I affix my signature in JosEPH s J. SUTIHEN.

[ Witnesses: JOSEPH FoRREsT, 1 WM. S. DUVALL. 

